Take Action Now to Support the Endangered Species Act!
On Monday we issued an action alert in response to a White House proposal to remove the regulatory definition of "harm" from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The "harm" rule is central to prohibiting activity that could impair the habitat of protected species under the ESA, and removing it could lead to devastating effects for fish and wildlife. Please take a moment to stand up for the ESA and tell the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and National Marine Fisheries services to reject the "harm" rule change. Comments are due by May 19th.

WaterWatch Launches New Business Partnerships Page
Over the last 40 years we've developed numerous ways for businesses to partner with WaterWatch and ensure their brand or products are seen by our thousands of members, subscribers, and followers. Collaboration opportunities include donating space or co-hosting an event, donations of a percentage of revenue, in-kind donations, project or printing underwriting, or sponsorship of our annual Celebration of Oregon Rivers and auction event. Connect with WaterWatch development officer Jesse Robbins for more today!

40th Anniversary Celebration in Portland Nov. 1st
We made it official on Wednesday with the announcement of the date and location of our 40th Anniversary Party and Annual Celebration of Oregon Rivers. You're invited to join WaterWatch the evening of Saturday, Nov. 1st, for our biggest event ever as we reflect on four decades of river conservation success, and look to the next 40 years and beyond. Plus, we're moving to an indoor location at Castaway Portland, located at 1900 NW 18th Ave. in Portland's Historic Warehouse District near the Willamette River. More details here.

Fun and Fantastic Oakshire Inspires Turnout in Eugene
We had a great time with friends and supporters at the Oakshire Public House in Eugene last Wednesday during their daylong Oakshire Inspires benefit for WaterWatch of Oregon. Thank you to everyone who attended for your enthusiasm and support for our work and mission, interest in our raffle options and prizes, and to the Oakshire Brewing team for making us feel at home. We've got another Oakshire Inspires event on the calendar as we return to Oakshire's Portland Beer Hall on Tuesday, July 15th. Hope to see you there!

Spring Instream: Conversation with Bob Hunter
All our spring Instream articles are now online at WaterWatch.org, including our conversation with staff attorney Bob Hunter, one of WaterWatch's founding board members. As a participant in the initial discussions with WaterWatch founders Tom and Audrey Simmons, and as part of our ongoing 40th anniversary project, we spoke with Bob about WaterWatch's early years and the development of the 1987 Instream Water Rights Act. Look for similar 40th anniversary articles in the summer and fall issues of Instream later this year.

Groundwater Overpumping Noted as Culprit in Sinking Cities
Research published Thursday in Nature Cities demonstrates the unsustainable role overpumping of groundwater aquifers is having in the subsidence of 28 major U.S. cities. Using satellite measurements that detail small elevation changes, the New York Times found the research "examined the connection between changes in land elevation and changes in groundwater, using data from individual monitoring wells." A 2023 New York Times investigation also found unsustainable pumping from underground aquifers can be a cause of sinking land.